After entering into in-licensing agreements with Mumbai-based Elder Pharmaceuticals, top Japanese pharma companies like Fujisawa Healthcare, and Tanabe Seiyaku have initiated in-licensing talks with Indian pharmaceutical majors like Lupin, Ranbaxy, Nicholas Piramal and Wockhardt. These Japanese companies have entered into in licensing agreements with Mumbai based Elder Pharmaceuticals.

According to informed sources, the Japanese companies are looking forward to launch some of the high-value and niche brands in therapeutic segments like diabetes, CVS and hypertension in India.

The EMR tie up with Elder was for two anti-hypertensive products imidapril (Tanabe) and nilvadipine (Fujisawa) in India. It is believed that before tying up with Elder, Japanese companies had approached Lupin to market these products.

“The trend is changing and after 2005 we will witness more Japanese multinationals entering Indian market. This is a reflection of their positive faith in our IPR regulatory system. The initial aim of these companies would be to launch niche products, wait and check efficiency of regulations here. Once their confidence is elate, more innovative and high market products could be anticipated,” said a source at Lupin.